– Manuscript – Most of the world has been dealing with COVID-19 since early 2020. But North Korea only recently admitted it is dealing with a widespread local outbreak of the disease. On Thursday, North Korean health officials said over 2 million people have been sickened with a fast-spreading fever since late April. They also said 63 people have died. North Korea said it … [Read more...] about North Korea Fights COVID with Leaves and Tea
Scientists Grow Plants in Dirt from Moon
– Manuscript – For the first time, scientists have grown plants in moon soil collected by NASA’s Apollo astronauts. The scientists had no idea if anything would grow in the moon dirt. They wanted to see if it could be used to grow food by the next generation of moon explorers. The results surprised them. Robert Ferl of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and … [Read more...] about Scientists Grow Plants in Dirt from Moon
Flagship (News Words)
– Manuscript – Welcome to the Voice of America's News Words. A judge in Mexico has ordered work to stop on a stretch of the Maya train project. Flagship The judge's decision was based on a lack of environmental permits for the project. The train aims to connect archaeological sites, jungles, and beaches of the Mexican Caribbean. It is a flagship project of President … [Read more...] about Flagship (News Words)
Thorn in My Side (Idioms)
– Manuscript – Welcome to English in a Minute! Some plants, like roses, have thorns. They are sharp and can really hurt! Uh oh, I hope Anna and Jonathan are okay. Thorn in My Side Speaker A: So, Bob wants you to re-do the weekly meeting notes.Speaker B: Taking notes is such a thorn in my side.Speaker A: Oh, and he wants you to color-code all the questions and … [Read more...] about Thorn in My Side (Idioms)
Platform (News Words)
– Manuscript – Welcome to the Voice of America's News Words. Businessman Elon Musk has identified several investors who will help him buy the social media site Twitter. Platform Musk has promised to make Twitter more "inclusive." But critics say he plans to loosen control on posts. They argue that the platform will lead to more misinformation and … [Read more...] about Platform (News Words)